Two Gems From the Sierra Nevada Foothills – 2020 Mineral Wines Meritage & 2020 Gossamer Cellars Damo
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Had our oldest daughter and family over for a pre-4th of July BBQ. Broke out two wines from our previous residence in Calaveras County to have with a casual dinner. One of our grandsons is into minerals and rocks, so choose the 2020 Mineral Wines with a gold nugget on the label. The other is the 2020 Gossamer Cellars Dame a Graciano wine. Both were in Murphys originally, but recently Mineral Wines moved to Idaho.
The Wines – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened both up to compare and contrast as to which wine was better paired with dinner.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first one poured was the Mineral Wines 2020 Meritage which was 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec. This is a great Bordeaux style blend. First on the eyes a robust and dark coloring with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromas of cedar and cherry were dominating. In the mouth rich dark black cherries and blackberries danced merrily on the palate. Beautiful balance and complexity top off each sip.
The wine is aged two years in oak and another two years in the bottle. The wine is priced between $32 to $35/bottle.
For more on the winery and winemaker, Brett Keller with his recent move to Idaho from Murphys, California, you can read at:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second wine was the 2020 Gossamer Cellars called “Damo”, a Graciano wine. Damo is named after Gary & Sue’s grandson. Those that follow me know I am a big fan of Gossamer Cellars as Gary is trying to make each of the wines on the DeLong Wine Chart, no small goal!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Graciano is a black skinned grape that provides a deep red wine as seen in the photo. Graciano is one of my favorite wines and is the third most popular grape behind Tempranillo and Granacha in Spain. Graciano typically has a very aromatic aroma and deep coloration. Often on the palate black peppery spice notes appear along with red fruits and noticeable herbaceous qualities. Another key trait is high acidity and strong tannins.
Graciano on the eyes has a very deep and rich coloring. Predominately soft violet aromas waft into the nose. On the palate, peppery spices appeared with delight and flavoring along with blueberry notes. A beautiful and long finish. This wine is listed at $32/bottle on their website.Bottom of Form
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As a pre-4th of July dinner, BBQ burgers were deemed appropriate. Accompanied by backed beans with ground beef and French fries. Both wines paired wonderfully with the meal. Three of us voted on which tasted best and it was a draw (let that sink in) and rightly so as Brett and Gary are very good friends. Our son-in-law stayed with beer which was also great with the meal.
Both wines should be sought out as the three of us drinking the wines were equally impressed with the quality of each.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly